Today was an uneventful travel day. We again gained another hour since New Mexico is in the mountain time zone. Along the way we were reminded that we were in oil country. Surprisingly, most of the oil well pumps were not pumping. Wind and solar farms were also evident.

Our route today took us along TX 176, US 62 and I 10. Along TX 176 we also saw many wind farms and a few solar farms. There are numerous wind farms in Texas as the wind is constantly blowing across the plains and it’s not often you find the wind mills standing still.

Wind farm along TX 176

US 62 took us right past the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns and we were treated to some wonderful views of the Guadalupe Mountains.

Along the El Capitan Trail

US 62 also takes you across some extensive salt flats. (Peggy apologizes for the lack of photos of them. She was too busy enjoying the view to remember to take a photo.) 

Once we reached El Paso, there was no alternative to the interstate. Fortunately, there’s beltway around El Paso, so we were able to avoid most of the really bad traffic, but it’s still an interstate (Yukk!) We followed I 10 to a town called Deming, NM where we called it a day, found lodging and searched for food. We found a delightful small restaurant way off the beaten track called Elisa’s House of Pies and Restaurant. The BBQ pork ribs were fantastic as were the potato salad, cole slaw and, of course, the pie. 

Tomorrow, we should make it the rest of the way to Phoenix. Fortunately, we don’t have to follow the interstate all the way as we can pick up US 70 which will take us from Lordsville, NM all the way to Phoenix.  

That’s a wrap for today. Best wishes to all.
Wayne & Peggy